All About Grooming & Encouraging Good Reading Habits

[ChiefKiasu]

BlueBells:

...What about Chinese story books? What did you do to entice them to read Chinese story books? How successful have you been in this?

Not very successful with my P3 son. I've tried different versions of Doraemon comics, from Chinese only to Chinese with Hanyu Pinying to dual language versions, etc. No effect. He only reads the English ones. He's recently gotten an interest in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and I'm trying to find an angle there to get him to read the Chinese version of the stories.

Anyway, we've learnt our lesson and are now showing Chinese-only comics and animations to our daughter.

[jedamum]

Any interesting but not too difficult-to-read non-fiction/science books that your kids are reading?

[mumwgals]

jedamum:

Any interesting but not too difficult-to-read non-fiction/science books that your kids are reading?

You may like to have a look at the http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/magictreehouse/guides.html (slightly more wordy) or the http://www.tlt.com/docs/themagicschoolbus.htm (suitable for young children). For the Magic school bus, they even have the comic version.

[metz]

jedamum:

Any interesting but not too difficult-to-read non-fiction/science books that your kids are reading?

Any specific genres or subjects or themes in mind?

For Science/Geography/Astronomy related stuff, try the library. It has got a huge selection with varying reading levels. Otherwise, try books by Usborne or the Sunshine Nature Library. My son enjoys Magic School Bus series greatly. There are 3 different versions of Magic School Bus - Readers, Picture books and Chapter books. The Picture books are fabulous as there are information as well as pictures. On the other hand, the Chapter books are pretty wordy but offers a great deal of information. Let's Read and Find Out Science books are our favourite too.

The Magic Tree House series is a great read too. But try avoiding the first 5 titles. Read online that they were quite disappointing.

For illustrated biography, I just found these great books under \"Who Was...?\" series. These books give good introductions to people such Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Alva Edison etc...

And don't forget about Arts and Music books...Er, try this website for more recommendations http://www.thehomelibraryonline.com/

Btw, if you are not in a rush, wait for the Kinokuniya sale. Sign up as a member (if you are not) and enjoy 20% off all books during their sale.

[jedamum]

Hi mumwgals and chamonix,


Thanks for the recommendation. My boy seems to be interested in science relating to electricity, magnetism and such and not so about geography related things.

Will take a look at Magic Treehouse.

[ChiefKiasu]

jedamum:

...My boy seems to be interested in science relating to electricity, magnetism and such and not so about geography related things...

You might want to subscribe to the http://www.youngscientists.sg. They have 3 levels, catering to different age groups in Primary school. The articles are quite interesting to read, and covers fundamental academic material plus more.

[metz]

jedamum:

Hi mumwgals and chamonix,


Thanks for the recommendation. My boy seems to be interested in science relating to electricity, magnetism and such and not so about geography related things.

Will take a look at Magic Treehouse.

Try Magic School Bus Chapter Books #12 and #14.

[breguet]

jedamum:

Hi mumwgals and chamonix,


Thanks for the recommendation. My boy seems to be interested in science relating to electricity, magnetism and such and not so about geography related things.

Will take a look at Magic Treehouse.

Hi Jedamum, how old is your boy? Can try to make a better recommendation that way.

[jedamum]

Thanks everyone.

Breguet, my boy is in K2 this year.

[breguet]

Hi Jedamum,


I totally second the Magic School Bus for electricity and the Let’s Read and Find Out Science books that Chamonix recommended. Another one to consider is the Time for Kids Series - gorgeous photos with 3 levels of reading.

Good luck!